Celebrating a milestone: 100 heart transplants and counting

July 1, 2026

Providence Oregon News Team

July 2026

^{Above: Anthony Roberts, the 94th heart transplant recipient, poses with Tom Hatch, the program’s first recipient.}

In 2020, during one of the most uncertain periods in recent history, Providence Heart Institute leaders and caregivers recognized a critical need for a local heart transplant program — and took action.

As the pandemic made delivering care more complex, the team remained focused on ensuring patients had access to life-saving treatment close to home.

Six years later, that commitment has resulted in a thriving program and dozens of lives saved.

Last month, transplant program leaders, caregivers, patients and ministry leaders gathered to honor this milestone.

Among them was Tom Hatch, the program’s first transplant recipient, who shared a deeply personal reflection on his journey.

"I was wheelchaired in and I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t think I was going to survive it," Tom said. "I’m here today because of you. I wasn’t supposed to be, but because of all of you. From the lady who put the band on my wrist when I checked in to the lady who emptied the wastebasket in my room, all took a part in that.”

Growing stronger together

Kevin Koomalsingh, M.D., transplant surgeon, reflected on the program’s growth and the collaboration that made it possible.

"Everyone in this room dedicated time to helping us resolve issues and barriers along the way and got us to this really incredible milestone," Dr. Koomalsingh said. "I feel the program has gone through some good growing pains, we’re at a really great place, and I'm really excited for what’s to come."

Leading with purpose in challenging times

Raymond Moreno, M.D., chief executive of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, reflected on the program’s beginnings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Particularly during the pandemic and finding a way to provide high-touch care at a time when it was hard to touch each other was really hard," Dr. Moreno said. "But the team didn’t wait. There was a need and they just moved forward."

With gratitude and pride, Dan Oseran, M.D., chief medical officer of Providence Specialty Care, recognized the many individuals who made this milestone possible — from physicians and nurses to cardiac ICU teams, hospital leaders and organ donors.

“I truly appreciate everything that all of you have done to get us to this point and keep us going forward – better and busier than ever.”

As the program looks ahead, the focus remains clear: Expanding access, advancing care and helping even more patients return to healthier, fuller lives.